Overview

In a terrifying turn of events, a powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Cuba on Sunday, wreaking havoc as the nation struggles to recover from recent hurricanes and sinking into a series of blackouts. Occurring just before noon local time, the quake originated approximately 39 kilometers (24 miles) south of Bartolomé Masó, unleashing destruction less than an hour after an earlier 5.9 quake rattled the region, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Impact on Cuban Infrastructure

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed that the earthquake resulted in extensive material damage, including landslides, shattered homes, and downed power lines. Authorities are scrambling to assess the extent of the destruction and formulate recovery strategies. Eyewitness accounts paint a troubling picture, particularly from Granma Province, where government-driven media outlet Cubadebate showcased images of buildings with noticeable cracks and debris strewn across streets.

Damage Assessment

Significantly impacted was the municipality of Pilón, which has been labeled as suffering 'a lot of damage' according to Enrique Diego Arango Arias, head of Cuba’s National Seismological Service. The gravity of the situation weighs heavily upon him, as he lamented on Facebook, 'I can’t answer messages or phone calls. I haven't been able to post. The situation is quite complicated.'

Public Reactions

Residents across eastern Cuba expressed feelings of dread, likening the recent tremors to some of the most ferocious quakes they have ever encountered. Griselda Fernandez, a local resident, shared her experience, saying, 'Strong as ever. In other occasions, we’ve felt the earthquake but not as strong as now.'

Regional Tremors

The tremors reverberated through other eastern provinces, including Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, and Guantánamo—areas still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Oscar just weeks prior. Compounded with the disaster, Hurricane Rafael struck western Cuba days earlier as a Category 3, leading to widespread power outages across the island—an unending cycle of disaster for the Cuban people.

Tsunami Threat Assessment

Despite the chaos, the US National Tsunami Warning Center has reported that Sunday’s earthquake did not pose a significant tsunami threat, although they cautioned of a very small possibility of minor tsunami waves along the coast nearest the epicenter. Interestingly, while the brunt of the quake was not felt in the capital, Havana, residents in southern Florida noted tremors, with social media videos showcasing swaying ceiling lights in Miami towers.

Looking Ahead

As recovery efforts commence, the people of Cuba brace themselves for the uncertainties ahead, hoping for the safety of their communities in the face of relentless natural disasters. Stay tuned as we continue to cover this evolving story!